Subject Matter Competency in English

Subject Matter Competency (SMC) is required by teaching credential programs statewide, private and public, for all disciplines. The SMC program in English is designed for students who wish to pursue a career teaching English in secondary schools, grades 7 through 12. SMC can be established in two ways. It can be granted by colleges and universities through completion of approved programs of coursework and reflection with specific GPA requirements or by examination.

Method 1: SMC Verification by Accredited Institutions Subject Matter Competency can be granted by colleges and universities that have been accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Fresno State is an accredited institution, and requires prospective teachers to establish subject matter competency before they can be granted a Single Subject Credential in English. Completion of SMC may be completed by the following options:

The undergraduate program in English Education includes G.E. and core courses leading to a B.A. Completion of the English Education B.A. program with the following requirements establishes subject matter competency:

1) A GPA in subject matter coursework of at least 3.0 (your major GPA),

2) Grades of "A" or "B" in three core courses: English 105: Introduction to Literary Analysis, English 131: Literacy Studies, English 193/194T: Special Topics Seminar, and

3) Satisfactory completion of a reflective portfolio process, which includes construction of an electronic portfolio demonstrating competency in four key subject areas and a final interview with English faculty members.

If you need SMC but have already completed a BA, MA, or PhD (to include but not limited to a degree in English) you may establish subject matter competency by completing the coursework required for the English Education major (not including general education courses) and items 1-3 above. This ensures you have a strong understanding of the field of English Education.

Method 2: SMC Verification by Examination Students who have already attained a Bachelor of Arts and wish to establish subject matter competency in English, but do not want to take any more classes can establish subject matter competency by passing the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) in English.

The Single Subject Credential Program is directed in cooperation with the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.